L9916

The L9916 is a high-performance power management IC designed by STMicroelectronics for automotive applications. It serves as a smart driver for high-side switches, offering integrated protection features and precise current control. The device operates with a supply voltage range of 4.5 V to 28 V, making it suitable for both 12 V and 24 V automotive systems. Its core functionality includes driving loads such as lamps, solenoids, and fans while ensuring reliable operation under harsh electrical conditions. Key parameters include a maximum output current capability of up to 3 A, which supports robust load switching without overheating. The L9916 incorporates built-in overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit detection to enhance system safety and durability. It also features programmable current limiting through an external resistor, allowing flexibility in configuring the current threshold based on application needs. This precision current control ensures consistent performance across varying load conditions and ambient temperatures. One of its standout characteristics is the ability to interface directly with microcontrollers or CAN-based systems via a digital input pin, enabling efficient communication and fault monitoring. The chip provides diagnostic feedback through a dedicated output pin, signaling faults such as open-load, short-to-ground, or overtemperature events. This real-time status reporting enhances system reliability and simplifies troubleshooting in complex automotive environments. The L9916 is commonly used in vehicle lighting systems, including headlights, fog lights, and interior lamps, where stable and safe switching is critical. It is also employed in body control modules (BCM), HVAC systems, and electric power steering (EPS) components due to its compact footprint and high integration level. Its low quiescent current consumption improves energy efficiency, particularly important in battery-powered or start-stop vehicle architectures. Designed for compliance with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards, the L9916 ensures long-term reliability in demanding automotive environments. It supports both PWM and analog control modes, offering versatility in load regulation strategies. With internal charge pump circuitry, it enables efficient high-side switching even at low supply voltages, eliminating the need for external drivers. These features collectively make the L9916 an ideal solution for modern vehicle subsystems requiring intelligent, robust, and energy-efficient power management.